projects in progress
This page will include periodic reports and updates on projects that the Trust supports whilst they are in progress.
The current list of projects is as follows:-
Genetic Heritability of Wood Properties of Sitka Spruce Critical to Timber Strength (University of Aberdeen).
In this study timber stiffness was found to be mainly determined by microfibril angle and wood density. With increasing growth rate, wood density generally decreases however there is little correlation between growth rate and microfibril angle. The moderate heritability of microfibril angle should enable gains in wood stiffness to be achieved without compromising growth rate. The project concludes during 2009/10.
Adaptation of British Tree Populations to Climate Change (University of Bangor, Wales).
The Trust supported this PhD, the aim of which is to study the implications of climate change on ash. The adaptability of native ash across a range of UK locations will be matched against the predicted climates in 2050 and 2080. Satisfactory progress is being made with work concentrated on phenology of budburst and flowering, seed biology, stratification and testing, and seedling production. The project concludes in 2010/11.
Survey of Bechstein’s Bats (Bat Conservation Trust).
The Bechstein’s bat is a rare tree-dwelling bat, mostly found in old growth woodlands. The bat is difficult to detect using standard methods due to elusive feeding, roosting and echolocation behaviour, so little is known about its distribution in the UK. This three year study is designed to improve our knowledge of the species and help protect them. The project is due to finish in 2011/12.
Timber Quality Model for Scots Pine (University of Aberdeen).
The objective of this project is to develop a model to predict the effects of silviculture on Scots pine and to use the model to improve the accuracy and applicability of field stem-quality assessments. The project concludes during 2010/11.
Testing the Adaptive Significance of Seed Zones in Scots Pine (University of Edinburgh).
This project, supported by the Trust, will use a combination of molecular markers and growth experiments to assess the effectiveness of designated seed zones in Scots pine for the conservation of adaptive variation. The project is due to be completed during 2010/11.
Continuous Cover Forestry in Glentress (Edinburgh University / Forest Research)
This PhD project, part funded by the Trust, is intended to provide updated data on the forest structures in the Glentress CCF trial area which was established in 1990. It will test a range of measuring and modelling techniques and will help to develop practical management options for the site whilst demonstrating the wider applicability of management systems to other upland conifer forests. The project is due to conclude in 2011/12.
Social History of Forestry (UHI Millennium Institute)
This project
aims to research through personal interviews and ultimately produce a book describing the contribution that forestry has made to the social fabric and economy of Scotland. Looking back to the early 1900's, the work will include interviews with a number of surviving individuals who either worked in “the forestry” or had an influence in its policy development including the added value processing sector.
Sitka Spruce Segregation and Cutting (Centre for Timber Engineering/Forest Research)
The Trust made a contribution to this PhD study to use existing stress wave based and visual as
sessment methods to measure the extent of variation in log quality and mechanical properties within the wood supply catchment of a sawmill. The research will also test new cutting patterns for lower stiffness logs to maximise quality yield.
Documentary - “Finding David Douglas” (Forestry Commission)
The Trust made a contribution towards the costs of researching and filming an educational documentary programme on the life and work of David Douglas, botanist and explorer who travelled extensively to bring back new plant species to Scotland, including the Douglas Fir.